2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Explorer Sport Trac › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Newest first.
Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from january 16 through june 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. due to incorrect design, the quick connectors may not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection may believe that the quick connector IS fully…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. the recall began on august 4, 2006. owners may contact ufi filters USA at 800-230-5876.
Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
Owner complaints
86 complaints14 involved a crash1 involved a fire18 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
All four side curtain airbags deployed while I was driving my car in a parking lot. There was no collision and no reason whatsoever for the airbags to deploy. The airbags in the dash did not deploy. The airbag hit me in the side of the head and shrapnel from the airbag, hit me in the face and eyes…
All four side curtain airbags deployed while I was driving my car in a parking lot. There was no collision and no reason whatsoever for the airbags to deploy. The airbags in the dash did not deploy. The airbag hit me in the side of the head and shrapnel from the airbag, hit me in the face and eyes and knocked me sideways toward the passenger seat. I was completely stunned and had piercing pain throughout my head and neck. I was able to pull into a parking spot and call police dispatch, and get the car towed. The car will be inspected tomorrow by the insurance company, but because there was no reason for the airbags to deploy, this could be a major problem! Imagine if I was driving on the freeway or in another situation and the airbags just deployed for no reason with no warning. Please take immediate action to get these unsafe airbags off the road. The car will be inspected by the insurance company in the morning and the service provider in the following days. If you would like those reports, I will be happy to send them to you.
- Structure › Body
The body of my 2004 ford explorer sport trac xlt has rivets on the top of the roof that hold water. Instead of being a flat surface where rain can naturally fall off the top of the roof it sits in these rivets and accumulates rust. This leads to a lot more problems.
- Seat belts
Seatbelt mechanism for driver side and passenger side IS inoperable. It doesn't lock after you put your seatbelt on. the mechanism you put the seatbelt buckle in IS good but after that the lock mechanism for the belt to retract isn't working properly. It doesn't matter if you are driving or parked.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that the driver and front passenger seat belts failed to retract and lock in position. The contact called sanders ford (located at 1006 w corbrelt ave, swansboro, nc 28584, 910-326-1801) and was informed that the seat belts…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that the driver and front passenger seat belts failed to retract and lock in position. The contact called sanders ford (located at 1006 w corbrelt ave, swansboro, nc 28584, 910-326-1801) and was informed that the seat belts were no longer covered under warranty; therefore, the contact would be responsible for the diagnostic and repair cost. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000. The vin was invalid.
- Seats
During normal use, usually when in motion but frequently when the vehicle IS not in motion, the drivers seat suddenly flops backwards to the recline position. This has been an issue since the truck was about three years old. I took it to the dealer one time but they said they would have to keep the…
During normal use, usually when in motion but frequently when the vehicle IS not in motion, the drivers seat suddenly flops backwards to the recline position. This has been an issue since the truck was about three years old. I took it to the dealer one time but they said they would have to keep the truck; that didnt work for me because I would have no transportation and I always have to go to work, then and now. I saw a recall on the 2010 for this and figured I would let you know it was for a lot longer than that. It might help explain some dead people in sport tracs. I certainly had some anxious moments at times in the 15 years with my truck..ive tried to fix it several times with no real success, a new seat IS expensive, used seats are going to do the same thing but since my seat has also collapsed I guess I need to replace it.
- Air bags · Steering · Traction control system
TL* the contact owned a 2004 ford explorer sport trac. While driving 40 mph in inclement weather and road conditions, there was a loss of traction and steering ability. The vehicle spun out of control, rolled over at least five times, and crashed into a ditch. The seat belt restrained the driver…
TL* the contact owned a 2004 ford explorer sport trac. While driving 40 mph in inclement weather and road conditions, there was a loss of traction and steering ability. The vehicle spun out of control, rolled over at least five times, and crashed into a ditch. The seat belt restrained the driver; however, the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained extensive bruising on the right side of the body, which required medical attention. A police report was filed. Miller motor sales inc (1196 milwaukee ave, burlington, wi 53105, (888) 449-0974) was notified. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a yard by the insurance company. The approximate failure mileage was 204,000.
- Electrical system
Instrument panel cluster gauges and odometer drop to zero at times while driving, and I don't know my speed and well as rpm's. Afraid the engine might slow down or stop creating a possible freeway accident. On line there are several complaint about this problem.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
Have had 2 of these 2004 ford sport trac trucks. One which was flipped onto my driver side and totaled in an accident where I was hit doing 25mph down a back road whith a stop sign intersection, no airbags went off the only thing that saved me was my seat belt from worse injures. My current truck…
Have had 2 of these 2004 ford sport trac trucks. One which was flipped onto my driver side and totaled in an accident where I was hit doing 25mph down a back road whith a stop sign intersection, no airbags went off the only thing that saved me was my seat belt from worse injures. My current truck which has been well maintained and I still have all receipts for over 5000 worth of work done, recently with over a quarter tank of gas turning left will cut out and die completely in traffic which has almost cause me to be hit a couple times with my child in the car. Also my transmissions went out and lost gears at low mileage. I took my current truck to richards transmission where they told me the ford sport track transmission normally doesn't last past 50,000 miles that ford did not machine the transmission correctly which IS a known problem in the ford sport trac. Before the transmission started to slip my o/d would kick on and cause severe jerking out of first gear but only while the o/d was on. I could not get it to turn off unless I shut off the engine. I've had my coolant and transmission fluid mix and have had to replace the radiator twice because of this about 3000 miles before the transmission completely lost second gear. I believe ford should fix this, I enjoy my truck but could have been critically injured a few times due to malfunctioning that ford should fix.
- Unknown or other
I noticed a crack in the liftgate bottom ABS panel to the right of the fors emblem in october 2015. on december 8, 2015 the vehicle was stationary then all of a sudden the back window glass in the liftgate blew-out. I understand there IS a class-action lawsuit file in california regarding this…
I noticed a crack in the liftgate bottom ABS panel to the right of the fors emblem in october 2015. on december 8, 2015 the vehicle was stationary then all of a sudden the back window glass in the liftgate blew-out. I understand there IS a class-action lawsuit file in california regarding this safety defect. I feel it IS unsafe, because I could be driving on an interstate and the glass has the potential to break-out without warning, causing operator distracton to drining which could result in an accident.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer sport trac. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the frame was rusted and parts were fractured from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame and the front and rear motor mounts…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer sport trac. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the frame was rusted and parts were fractured from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame and the front and rear motor mounts were rusted and needed be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred with the front end motor mount. While driving approximately 40 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driver and passenger side pinion, barons, and seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000. Ma 10/23/15 *cn
- Suspension · Tires · Wheels
I had uneven wear on my tires that were the original tires from the factory. I bought the car new from the ford dealer. I was told that the tire specs and brand were not the ideal type for this kind of vehicle. No warranty coverage given. I did buy michelin at owl and they have held up to present 2014 at 106250 miles. *tr
- Electrical system
My gas gauge needle started going beyond full then intermittently would be on e when I just filled it. Each time I would start the truck the gas gauge would show different needle readings. After a month or so it the gas needle quit moving or reading at all. I assumed it was in the fuel tank. I took…
My gas gauge needle started going beyond full then intermittently would be on e when I just filled it. Each time I would start the truck the gas gauge would show different needle readings. After a month or so it the gas needle quit moving or reading at all. I assumed it was in the fuel tank. I took it in to shop and after taking off the fuel tank there was no problem found. I had to replace the entire cluster panel. Cost almost $1000. There are quite a few comments on the gas gauge not working correctly. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer sport trac. When the contact engaged the brakes, the vehicle failed to stop and continued to accelerate forward. On a different occasion, the vehicle surged forward while the vehicle was idling at a traffic light and the brake pedal was depressed. the…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer sport trac. When the contact engaged the brakes, the vehicle failed to stop and continued to accelerate forward. On a different occasion, the vehicle surged forward while the vehicle was idling at a traffic light and the brake pedal was depressed. the contact stated that after turning the engine off and back on the vehicle resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician was unable to duplicate or diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 94,300.
- Engine · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
TL* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the cam sensor, crank sensor, and…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the cam sensor, crank sensor, and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The repairs were completed by the contact but the failure persistent. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximately failure mileage was 90,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel gauge doesn't notice when you go from an empty tank to full. Still reading no change. Then slowly will climb to the proper amount of fuel within an hour. There IS no way to accurately tell how much fuel IS in the vehicle. *tr
- Structure › Body
The doors don't open good and the door handles break. We have had fixed twice and the previous owner had fixed also! *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that the ignition switch was loose. The contact took the vehicle to be diagnosed and was advised by an independent mechanic that the ignition switch would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,437.
- Structure › Body
While driving at 45mph noticed too much body roll and bouncing. Installed new shocks and sway bars and had it aligned and it still had too much body roll and bouncing. Had it up on a lift an noticed the body bushing were all deteriorated and falling apart. Googled this item and found many sport…
While driving at 45mph noticed too much body roll and bouncing. Installed new shocks and sway bars and had it aligned and it still had too much body roll and bouncing. Had it up on a lift an noticed the body bushing were all deteriorated and falling apart. Googled this item and found many sport trac owners having the same problem. It seems ford purchased inferior body bushings from a vendor and has never corrected this issue. The vehicle feels very unsafe to drive! In order to change these out you have to remove the interior of the vehicle 1ST. This IS a very expensive repair and if left undone the vehicle IS unsafe to drive. I have never heard of this being a maintenance item on any other vehicle. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the spare tire detached from the tire well from under the carriage. The failure was related to a fractured cable harness. vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 97,600.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Body/chassis mounts are deteriorating and crumbling. Body IS now loose on the frame and has slight movement. These mounts are not rubber like most; they are some sort of urethane composite. Internet research and truck owner sites confirm this to be a common problem. Ford does not see this as a…
Body/chassis mounts are deteriorating and crumbling. Body IS now loose on the frame and has slight movement. These mounts are not rubber like most; they are some sort of urethane composite. Internet research and truck owner sites confirm this to be a common problem. Ford does not see this as a safety/recall issue and has directed owners of suspect vehicles to your department. This particular vehicle has never been in salt or snow . The cab shaking and rattling IS causing movement that will undoubtedly effect the brake lines and steering column as they are attached to both the body and the chassis. Ford IS now using another compound for the mounts apparently in response to complaints. *tr
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer sport trac with mastercraft courser a/t 2 tires (size: lt265/75r16). While driving approximately 70 mph, the front passenger side tire exploded, causing the contact to crash into another vehicle and the highway median. The front axle and tie rod fractured…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer sport trac with mastercraft courser a/t 2 tires (size: lt265/75r16). While driving approximately 70 mph, the front passenger side tire exploded, causing the contact to crash into another vehicle and the highway median. The front axle and tie rod fractured during the failure. The contact sustained a fractured back and a concussion. The contact was transported to the hospital via ambulance. The police reported to the scene and a report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. There was a recall under nhtsa campaign ID number: 08t005000 (tires:sidewall) that could have been related to the failure. The contact stated the recall the dot number was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000. The failure mileage of the vehicle was 110,000. ...updated 07/19/12 *bf
- Unknown or other
Vehicle was making a whinning noise from front end at 60 mph. I checked tires in front and noticed excessive wear on the inside of both tires, the mileage was 25650.i had the alignment checked at a local tire and lube and they could not find any alignment problems. Suggested rotating the…
Vehicle was making a whinning noise from front end at 60 mph. I checked tires in front and noticed excessive wear on the inside of both tires, the mileage was 25650.i had the alignment checked at a local tire and lube and they could not find any alignment problems. Suggested rotating the tires,these were the tires that came with the vehicle, tires were rotated.however, at about 31000 miles the noise was back and the tire wear was back again, excessive wear. I bought new tires at this time, they have been rotated a every oil change and the problem persist. No one can find a reason for this occurrence, we don't have a local ford dealership. The shop I take the vehicle too cannot find alignment problems with the vehicle. I think ford knows they have this issue and IS willing to ignore the problem. They will not have to worry about me or my family buying any more ford products. This IS the first and last ford product I will ever own.
- Suspension · Tires
Tires cupping and whine at about 40 mph and up. *tr
- Structure › Body
I went to install a pair of step bars on my truck, and noticed that my body bushings looked odd. I touched one of them and it crumbled, and upon further investigation I noticed at least 3 sets on each side were in the same shape. I called ford customer service and was told to take it to the dealer…
I went to install a pair of step bars on my truck, and noticed that my body bushings looked odd. I touched one of them and it crumbled, and upon further investigation I noticed at least 3 sets on each side were in the same shape. I called ford customer service and was told to take it to the dealer to have it checked, and that there was no warranty, customer satisfaction plan, or recall. I told them I was a mechanic and did not need to go to the dealer, but they did register my complaint. I have never seen body bushings in such state on any name brand or model vehicle, even after they were 20 or so years old. I have seen them flatten out, but never deteriorate. I feel sure that the material used IS of poor quality. By not replacing them, there IS a risk of body cracking or other failures. I feel that ford should have a recall on them. After searching the internet, I find that I am not alone, and feel that there are many more people with the same problem, they just dont know it. *kb
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer sport trac. the vehicle wa taken to a private mechanic for routine service when the contact was informed that there was a fuel leak within the engine. The dealer was contacted but offered no assistance since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. the…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer sport trac. the vehicle wa taken to a private mechanic for routine service when the contact was informed that there was a fuel leak within the engine. The dealer was contacted but offered no assistance since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. the manufacturer was also made aware of the failure. the contact was awaiting repairs. the current and failure mileages were 80,000.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Vehicle rollaway allegations
In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), ford stated consumer reports of higher than expected efforts when shifting into and out of park could be a result of a groove being worn into the swing arm ramp of the steering column. The swing arm IS a component…
In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), ford stated consumer reports of higher than expected efforts when shifting into and out of park could be a result of a groove being worn into the swing arm ramp of the steering column. The swing arm IS a component bolted to the steering column that assists in shifting through the transmission gears.an engineering evaluation conducted by ford of returned steering columns found the groove could be created over time if consumer shift more quickly from the drive or reverse to park than the brake shift interlock (bsi) solenoid pin retracts after the brake pedal IS applied. In november of 2004, ford released a redesigned bsi solenoid with a shorter pin retracting time as a serviceable component. Ford has noted the shorter retraction time significantly lessens the likelihood of bsi solenoid pin to swing arm contact even with rapid consumer shifts.ford also issued a technical service bulletin, tsb 04-22-12, to instruct service technicians on the proper diagnosis and vehicle repair. Reviewing complaints to odi and data submitted by ford, odi has identified 200 alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement after consumers believe they have shifted the vehicle into park, resulting in 85 alleged crashes and 32 alleged injuries.in addition to the reports of alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement, odi has also identified 883 reports of consumers alleging difficulty or the inability to shift the vehicle into park.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea09-013) to further assess the scope, frequency and risk to motor vehicle safety of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.
- Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or…
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi IS not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10019947Neutral tow capability - service kit requirements.
- 10018938Vibration diagnosis - tire/wheel runout.
- 10018934Neutral tow capability -- service kit requirements.
- 10018061Steering shudder during low speed maneuvers - 4.0L engine.
- 10017899No 3RD gear, dtc p0733 (3RD gear incorrect ratio) and flashing tcil - vehicles built prior to 9/23/2004.
- 10017891Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4X4 or AWD.
- 10017860Malfunction indicator lamp coming on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0171, p0172, p0174 and/or p0175 (fuel system too rich or lean).
- 10016814Irregular tire wear.
- 10014263Moan/vibration during air conditioning operation.
- 10014138Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013365Squeaking noise from rear sway bar link.
- 10013306Improperly formulated transmission fluid that, over time, may cause delayed/harsh reverse engagements. Customer satisfaction program 04b22. 5R55s/e & 5r44e transmission fluid additive. Supplement #1. Supplement #2. Supplement #3.
- 100131124X4 not engaging or intermittent 4X4 engagement - vehicles built prior to 4/1/2004.
- 10011166Power lumbar bladder expanding through back of seat.
- 10010746Speed control inoperative or not holding the set speed. Oasis. Various models including 2005 explorer, sport trac, mountaineer and aviator.
- 10010719Oil leak from oil filter adapter - 4.0L SOHC engine built before 4/1/2004.
- 10008554Starter noise.
- 10008552Rear leaf spring noise.
- 10008284Demonstration/delivery hold - special field action 03l17. Revised smog emissions information.
- 10008154Bed extender component replacement service tip.
- 10008139Seat material ripping and/or separating at the seams.
- 10008115Generator noise in cold ambient temperatures.
- 10007416Paint peeling and/or bubbling on the center finish panel of the instrument panel.
- 10007369Steering shudder felt when turning, driving at slow speeds or at stop.
- 10007007An incorrect vehicle emission control information (veci) label was installed and must be replaced to comply with applicable federal or california emission regulations.
- 10004933Scraping noise from the right rear axle area usually while turning left.
Every Ford Explorer Sport Trac model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.